Camera casing

ABSTRACT

A camera casing having at least one front face. The at least one front face has a first opening, the front face being configured to securely fit with a camera, a flexible covering attached to a perimeter of the front face and the flexible covering having a service opening to provide access to an interior of the camera casing. A first retaining member may be incorporated into the flexible covering and configured to secure the camera to the front face; the front face is a rigid or a semi-rigid material; the front face has one or more 3D features to correspond to one or more features of the camera for positioning the camera within the camera casing; or combinations thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/140,320, filed on Jan. 2, 2021, which claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/957,217,filed on Jan. 5, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

Various aspects of this disclosure relate generally to a casing for acamera, particularly, a low temperature casing.

Cameras generate their own heat with high shutter speed and resolutionsettings. However, when exposed to external elements such as coldtemperatures, wind or other weather forces, the heat is dissipated intothe external environment. The dissipation of heat into the environmentdecreases the performance of the camera, including, but not limited to,that of battery life.

The present description illustrates a casing that improves theinsulation of the camera from cold external temperature, wind and/orweather and reduces the rate at which generated heat is dissipated intothe external environment while allowing a user to record and/or takephotos of the external environment from within the casing.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a camera casing comprisesat least one front face. The at least one front face comprises a firstopening, the front face being configured to securely fit with a camera,a flexible covering attached to a perimeter of the front face, theflexible covering having a service opening to provide access to aninterior of the camera casing; and at least a first retaining memberincorporated into the flexible covering, the first retaining memberconfigured to secure the camera to the front face.

The first retaining member is secured at a first location and a secondlocation spaced there apart and on the front face, the first retainingmember configured to hold the camera in a position relative to the frontface.

A second retaining member is incorporated in the flexible covering,wherein the second retaining member is configured to hold at least oneadditional accessory. The at least one additional accessory is a heatingelement or a cooling element.

The second retaining member is configured as a pocket or pouchincorporated within or affixed to the flexible covering. The secondretaining member further comprises a closure configured to partially orcompletely close the second retaining member enclosing the at least oneadditional accessory within.

The flexible covering comprises one or more layers of flexible material.

The first retaining member is incorporated within the cover between theone or more layers of flexible material.

The material of the front face is different from a material of theflexible covering. The material of the front face is comprised of arigid or a semi-rigid material.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a camera casing withat least one front face comprising a first opening, the front face beingconfigured to securely fit with a camera, a flexible covering attachedto a perimeter of the front face, the flexible covering having a serviceopening to provide access to an interior of the camera casing; andwherein the front face comprises a rigid or semi-rigid material andwherein the front face comprises one or more 3D features to correspondto one or more features of the camera for positioning the camera withinthe camera casing.

The front face is a molded front face with the one or more 3D featurescorresponding to the features of the camera for positioning the camerawithin the camera casing or providing an improved fit with the camera.

The front face further comprises one or more secondary openings, whereinthe one or more secondary openings are configured to align with one ormore additional features of the camera.

One or both of the front face and flexible covering are constructed frommaterials having improved thermal properties allowing for retainingheat, insulating the camera, or reducing heat transfer to or from theinterior of the camera casing.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a camera casingcomprising at least one front face comprising a first opening, the frontface being configured to securely fit with a camera, a flexible coveringattached to a perimeter of the front face, the flexible covering havinga service opening to provide access to an interior of the camera casing;at least a first retaining member arranged in the interior of the cameracasing, the first retaining member configured to secure the camera tothe front face; and wherein a material of the front face is differentfrom a material of the flexible covering and wherein one or both of thefront face and the flexible covering are comprised of a material havingthermal properties allowing for retaining heat within the camera casingor insulating the interior of the camera casing from an externalenvironment.

A second retaining member is incorporated in the flexible covering,wherein the second retaining member is configured to hold at least oneadditional accessory.

The second retaining member is configured as a pocket or pouchincorporated within or affixed to the flexible covering.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarilyto scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating theprinciples of the invention. In the following description, variousembodiments of the invention are described with reference to thefollowing drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a casing;

FIG. 1B shows a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the casing ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C shows an embodiment of a rear perspective view of the interiorof the casing shown in FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 1D shows an embodiment of a rear perspective view of the interiorof the casing shown in FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 1E shows an embodiment of a first retaining member of the casing ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F shows a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D with acamera;

FIG. 1G shows an embodiment of a perspective view of the embodiment ofthe casing of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a casing;

FIG. 2B shows a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the casing ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C shows a side view of the embodiment of the casing of FIGS.2A-2B;

FIG. 3A shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a casing;

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the embodiment of the casing of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C shows a side view of the embodiment of the casing of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic of an embodiment of the fitting between a frontface of casing and a camera;

FIG. 5 shows a method of operating the casing; and

FIG. 6 shows a performance comparison chart of battery lifetime.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawingsthat show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments inwhich the invention may be practiced.

The described invention provides insulation from cold weather elementsalong with improving protection from damage to the camera, by way ofnon-limiting example, for scratching on the front surface, or improvedimpact resistance.

FIG. 1A provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a casing 150 fora camera 130 (illustrated in FIG. 1F) having a front face 100 and acovering 103, covering 103 having at least one service opening 104 toprovide access to an interior 120 (illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D) ofcasing 150 for inserting at least camera 130 into casing 150.

The material of front face 100, shown in FIG. 1A to be rectangular, maybe configured as rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. In some embodiments,front face 100 is made from a closed foam, such as Ethylene-VinylAcetate (EVA), or an open cell foam. In other embodiments, front face100 may be configured as clear or transparent for easier viewing. In anembodiment, front face 100 is molded, shaped, or formed into athree-dimensional shape to have an improved fit with camera 130 wherethe features of camera 130 correspond to the three-dimensional shape offront face 100. This allows for easier positioning of camera 130, and abetter fit of camera 130 with front face 100 reducing the chance thatthe front face 100 or covering 103 might inadvertently get into thefield of view of the camera 130. The front face 100 may act as a barrierto wind and other elements and improve cold weather resistance of thecasing 150 by further insulating the camera 130. Alternatively, in aseparate embodiment, front face 100 is configured to be a flat surfacesuch that front face 100 is not a molded surface. This embodiment allowsfor economical modification and production during the manufacturingprocess.

Although front face 100 is illustrated to be rectangular in FIG. 1A, theshape of front face 100 may be presented in many different conventionalforms, sizes, shapes and designs. Front face 100 may be in a shape tofit a front of camera 130 or front face 100 may be larger or smallerthan the front of camera 130. Further, front face 100 may be square,rectangular, circular, oval shaped or a variety of other availableshapes.

Front face 100 includes at least one opening or window, such as firstopening 101, to align with a feature of camera 130, or for the featureof camera 130 to fit through. Such feature may be a lens 140(illustrated in FIG. 1F) of camera 130. First opening 101 may bearranged in any location on front face 100. In an alternativeembodiment, first opening 101 is large enough to provide access to aplurality of controls and displays on the front of camera 130, and notonly lens 140. By way of a non-limiting example, lens 140 along with adisplay of camera 130 may be viewed through first opening 101. Firstopening 101 may be of various sizes and shapes that allow lens 140 ofcamera 130 to fit through it or align with it. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1A, first opening 101, i.e. lens window, ispresented as a rectangular opening or space in front face 100.

Additionally, front face 100 may have other openings, such as a secondopening 102, provided to allow for accessibility and visibility tolights, displays, buttons and other controls on camera 130 from outsidecasing 150. In an embodiment, second opening 102 is configured as adisplay window, shown in FIG. 1A as another opening or space in theupper left-hand corner of front face 100. However, second opening 102may be arranged in any location on front face 100. Front face 100 offersa fit with camera 130 or lens 140 that locates the feature on camera130, this allows other openings, such as second opening 102, to properlyalign with various displays, controls, and features on front, top,bottom, back or sides of camera 130 as well as helps hold camera 130 inplace on front face 100 when it is jostled. Although only two openingsare illustrated, there may be further openings on front face 100 toaccommodate other features on camera 130.

Camera 130 may be presented in many different conventional forms, sizes,shapes and designs. Casing 150 and its various features can be designedto fit just one type of camera or many different types.

Covering 103, optionally made from a separate material than that offront face 100, is attached around a perimeter 111 of front face 100.Covering 103 is made from a single piece or multiple layers of aflexible material. Covering 103, in combination with front face 100,acts as a housing, or casing 150, for camera 130. The material ofcovering 103 and/or front face 100 may be made from materials havingimproved thermal properties for thermal protection of the camera 130.The materials of covering 103 may have improved thermal propertiesproviding insulation for the camera 130 from external hot or coldtemperatures, or for retaining or dissipating heat from the covering 103and/or from the casing 150. The covering 103 may be constructed from oneor more layers of materials that collectively have improved thermalproperties. By way of a non-limiting example, the covering 103 may havea nylon outer layer, a metalized reflective internal layer, a closedcell foam internal layer, and a polyester inner layer. Additionally oralternatively, the covering 103 may have a Mylar® layer, or any numberof other materials and/or combinations of materials capable of providingimproved thermal properties. Additionally, or alternatively, thematerial of covering 103 and/or front face 100 may be made frommaterials having water resistance or a closed cell foam material such asneoprene.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, covering 103 includes serviceopening 104. Although service opening 104 is illustrated to be locatedat a base 106 of covering 103, it may be located anywhere on covering103. Service opening 104 is used to access interior 120 (shown in FIGS.1C and 1D) of casing 150 for inserting camera 130 and/or one or moreadditional accessories 131 (illustrated in FIG. 1F). Interior 120 ofcovering 103 may be accessed with an access mechanism 107 (shown in FIG.1B), such as a zipper arranged on covering 103, or alternatively,covering 103 is stretched such that casing 150 may even be flippedinside out, offering improved accessibility to camera 130 that is insidecasing 150.

Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, at least one closure 105 isprovided in covering 103 around the perimeter of service opening 104 toallow for the closing of the service opening 104. Closure 105 may beembodied as drawstrings, elastic gather, zippered flap, zipper, buttonstraps, buttons or any one of a wide variety of other features ormethods that can partially or completely close service opening 104.Inclusion of closure 105 provides further security for camera 130 withincasing 150.

In a further embodiment, a locking mechanism 117, such as a cord lock,may be provided on closure 105 in order to prevent service opening 104from inadvertently opening, providing further protection for camera 130and/or one or more additional accessories 131 arranged in covering 103through service opening 104.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of casing 150. Asillustrated, covering 103 may include one or more access openings 119 toallow a user to view or interact with various controls, interfaces ordisplays on camera 130. As illustrated, access opening 119 may furtherinclude access mechanism 107 for securing access opening 119. At leastone access opening 119 may be arranged anywhere in covering 103, but inthe illustrated embodiment, access opening 119 is arranged on a rearsurface 112 of covering 103, or a side of covering 103 opposite frontface 100. Further access openings 119 may be provided to allow anextended battery, battery pack, or cord for charging from an externalbattery access to camera 130 that is stored within casing 150.

Access mechanism 107 may include a zipper, elastic gathers, buttons,snaps, drawstrings, flaps, Velcro™ flaps, latches, or any one of a widevariety of other methods used for opening and closing the variouspockets, pouches, and other openings on casing 150. Access mechanism 107is shown to extend from a first point 113 located at service opening 104to a second point 114, illustrated at a midway point on rear surface 112of covering 103. However, first point 113 and second point 114 may alsobe arranged in other locations on covering 103 and need not start orterminate at service opening 104. Access opening 119 may be arranged oncovering 103 such that it is an opening independent from service opening104. Access mechanism 107 is shown in FIG. 1B to be embodied as azipper, in a zipped or closed state, with both sides of covering 103being united in the back where access mechanism 107 is zipped together.Although access mechanism 107 is not visible in FIG. 1A, it can also beunderstood that casing 150 of FIG. 1A is also shown in a state withaccess mechanism 107 closed.

In an alternative embodiment, access opening 119 and access mechanism107 may be omitted and a user may access the inside of casing 150 byeither flipping covering 103 inside out or stretching the material.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, covering 103, as shown in FIG. 1A andFIG. 1B, is constructed in a shape and design that resembles a hood, asin from a hooded sweatshirt, although covering 103 may be provided inany number of shapes sizes designs constructions or appearances and isnot limited to that of a hood or hooded shape. Casing 150 of FIG. 1Aalso illustrates at least two hood seams 108 running diagonally from thebottom corners of the front face 100 to base 106 of covering 103. It canbe understood that the hood seams 108, along with the front face 100,have a resemblance to that of a hooded sweatshirt, or persons faceinside a hooded sweatshirt, with the hood seams 108 resembling the brimof a hood and neck down toward the collar, and the front face 100resembling a person's face nestled inside the hood.

FIGS. 1C-1D provides a rear perspective view of casing 150 illustratedwith covering 103 flipped inside out to show interior 120 of casing 150.Furthermore, access mechanism 107 is shown in FIGS. 1C-1D in an unzippedstate, allowing more room for covering 103 to be opened and/or flippedinside out. Front face 100 is configured to hold camera 130 in alignmentwith first opening 101 with the use of either a retaining feature, suchas a first retaining member 109, and/or from the fit created betweencamera 130, covering 103, and front face 100.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D, front face 100 hasfirst retaining member 109 attached in at least a first location 115 anda second location 116 on opposing sides of front face 100. Firstlocation 115 and second location 116 may be arranged directly on frontface 100 or adjacent to front face 100 on covering 103. Although firstlocation 115 and second location 116 are arranged on the sides of frontface 100, first location 115 and second location 116 may alternatively,or additionally, be arranged on the top and the bottom of front face100. First retaining member 109 is shown in FIGS. 1C-1D as a stretchableband, such as elastic, that spans horizontally behind front face 100,creating a loop with front face 100, where camera 130 can be heldbetween front face 100 and first retaining member 109. In a furtherembodiment of casing 150, the first retaining member 109 may be affixedto, embedded, or incorporated into covering 103 or between one or morelayers thereof. It should be understood that first retaining member 109may also be presented as at least one of a sleeve, strap(s), loop(s),snapping feature, Velcro™ strap, holding device, pouch, zippered pouch,pocket or any one of a wide variety of other shapes, sizes, forms,designs or constructions so long as it is capable of retaining camera130 inside casing 150 and allowing lens 140 of camera 130 to align withand/or fit through first opening 101.

First retaining member 109 may be designed and arranged in a way so notto obstruct or block one or more camera features 132 (illustrated inFIG. 1F). Camera features 132 may include ports, buttons, or screens onthe top, side and or the back of camera 130. In one embodiment,illustrated in FIG. 1C, first retaining member 109 is configured as twonarrow bands that wrap around the upper edge and the lower edge of theback of camera 130 such that a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen onthe back of camera 130 is not blocked, nor are ports or camera features132, on the sides of camera 130. In another embodiment, illustrated inFIG. 1D, first retaining member 109 may be configured with one or morecutouts 121 in the side and/or back of first retaining member 109. In analternative embodiment, first retaining member 109 may be made of aclear or transparent material such that a user may interact with and/orview camera features 132 through first retaining member 109.

In a further embodiment of casing 150, front face 100 is optionallyprovided with at least one second retaining member 110, illustrated inFIGS. 1C-1D as a strap, which may be attached directly to front face 100or affixed to, or incorporated into covering 103 in at least twolocations on opposing sides, similar to the construction or arrangementof first retaining member 109, to retain the one or more additionalaccessories 131 inside casing 150. Additional accessories 131 mayinclude a heating element, cooling element, an extended battery, batterypack and/or cord for charging from an external battery to camera 130while camera 130 is inside casing 150. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.1C-1D, opposing ends of second retaining member 110 is secured to firstlocation 115 and second location 116.

Second retaining member 110, as shown in FIG. 1C-1D, is embodied as anelastic band that spans horizontally behind first retaining member 109,creating a loop with first retaining member 109 where one or moreadditional accessories 131 may be held. Second retaining member 110 maybe configured as a single band or as illustrated in FIG. 1C, a splitband such that a viewing window of camera 130 may be accessed andviewed. In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1D, second retainingmember 110 is embodied as a single band with one or more cutouts 121that may be used as a viewing window. In a further embodiment of casing150, the second retaining member 110 may be affixed to, embedded, orincorporated into covering 103 or between one or more layers thereof. Itshould be understood that casing 150 may also be presented to includeadditional second retaining members 110 such as a sleeve, straps, loops,snapping feature, Velcro™ strap, holding strap, pouch, zippered pouch,pocket or any one of a wide variety of other shapes, sizes, forms,designs or constructions, so long as it is capable of retaining one ormore additional accessories 131 within, or on, casing 150.

Casing 150 may include a plurality of second retaining members 110 andeach second retaining member 110 may take different forms. By way ofnon-limiting example, as illustrated in FIG. 1D, one second retainingmember 110 may be a strap and another second retaining member 110 may beembodied as a pouch affixed or incorporated into to the inside ofcovering 103 that can retain extra batteries to keep them warm and/orhold a battery that is plugged into camera 130.

As with first retaining member 109, second retaining member 110 may alsobe embodied as a clear or transparent material which would allow a userto view or interact with camera 130 through transparent, pressuresensitive material first retaining member 109 and second retainingmember 110.

One or more additional accessories 131, such as a heating element, maybe considered to be any device or object capable of giving off heat andcan be provided in a wide variety of conventional forms including, butnot limited to: chemical heating elements, electrical heating elements,or fuel powered heating elements. Heating elements of a certain shape,design, or construction can be provided to fit inside casing 150, oralternatively, heating elements of a wide variety of shapes, designs,and constructions can fit inside. Heating elements may be provided withcasing 150 or presented as a consumable. One such example of heatingelements that may be used with casing 150 are chemical, oxygen activatedpackets that are commonly used for hand and foot warmers. Anotherexample of heating elements is one or more rechargeable heating elementsthat may be inserted into casing 150 as described above. Additionally,one or more additional accessories 131 may be presented as a coolingelement, which can be presented in a number of conventional forms, or byway of a non-limiting example as a freezer cooled gel pack or ice pack.An embedded heating or cooling element 118 may also be permanently builtor integrated into casing 150. Embedded heating or cooling element 118may be sewn into covering 103 between layers or in a pouch, asillustrated in FIG. 1C. Additionally or alternatively, embedded heatingor cooling element 118 may also be sewn into first retaining member 109and/or second retaining member 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1D.

FIG. 1E illustrates an alternative embodiment illustrating firstretaining member 109 and front face 100. In the illustrated embodiment,second retaining member 110, as described in other embodiments, isincorporated together with first retaining member 109 as a singlefeature or component. By way of a non-limiting example, first retainingmember 109 may be embodied as a folded over band, where additionalaccessories 131 may be held within a fold 123 of first retaining member109. Alternatively, first retaining member 109 may include a securedpouch to contain additional accessories 131.

In an alternative embodiment, in lieu of second retaining member 110,one or more additional accessories 131 may be retained by covering 103itself. In this and other alternative embodiments, closure 105, forpartially or completely closing service opening 104, may be provided toimprove the retention of not only camera 130 but also the additionalaccessories 131 inside covering 103.

FIG. 1F illustrates a side view of casing 150, as described with FIGS.1A-1E with camera 130 inserted between front face 100 and firstretaining member 109. Lens 140 of camera 130 is arranged through firstopening 101 of front face 100. First retaining member 109 is shown to bestretched around camera 130 securing camera 130 to front face 100.Further, additional accessories 131 are shown to be inserted betweenfirst retaining member 109 and second retaining member 110. Secondretaining member 110 is stretched around additional accessories 131securing additional accessories 131 against first retaining member 109.In the illustrated embodiment, closure 105 is shown to substantiallyclose service opening 104, further securing camera 130 and additionalaccessories 131 within casing 150.

Camera features 132, such as displays, buttons and/or controls, arrangedon top, bottom, back or sides of camera 130 may be accessed by pushingthrough covering 103 to apply pressure to controls, or stretchingcovering 103 sufficiently to access camera features 132.

With covering 103 pulled over camera 130, casing 150 may reduce the rateof heat that dissipates out into the natural external environment, bothfrom supplementary heating sources and from camera 130 itself, and thusprovide insulation from cold external temperatures and weather. Casing150 may also help trap heat inside that is generated either from camera130 itself, or from the heating elements that can optionally be packedinside. Additionally or alternatively, the casing 150 can keep thecamera 130 cool when external temperatures are very warm. The ability toprovide improved insulation and heat retention within casing 150 canextend battery life and functionality of camera 130 by reducing itsexposure to cold temperatures which can have an adverse effect onbattery life and performance.

FIG. 1G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofinterior of casing 150 shown in FIG. 1A which uses a tightly fittingcovering 103 to aid in holding camera 130 in place. Covering 103 may beconstructed in such a way that covering 103 itself functions as firstretaining member 109. The fit of camera 130 within casing 150 acts tohold camera 130 within casing 150. Covering 103 may be configured suchthat it fits tightly around camera 130 holding camera 130 tightlyagainst front face 100. Further, first retaining member 109 may beconfigured as an opening in a lining 122 of covering 103 such thatlining 122 fits tightly around camera 130. Additional accessories 131may be included within covering 103 between lining 122 in an opening onthe side of the lining 122 opposite camera 130, which may be consideredas second retaining member 110. Thus, lining 122 is arranged to separatefirst retaining member 109 and second retaining members 110 withincasing 150. Further, such casing may take the appearance of a stuffedanimal or toy. Many other appearances, designs, and constructions canalso be presented.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A-1G casing 150 is designed tolook like a hood, as from a hooded sweatshirt, with front face 100resembling the opening for a face, or a human face and covering 103resembling a hood surrounding the face and keeping it warm. Casing 150could also be made smaller, having a tighter fit with camera 130 to beloaded inside.

FIG. 2A provides a perspective view of another embodiment illustrating acasing 250 that is designed in such a way to look like a stuffed toyresembling a bear or animal, although it can be offered in any number ofshapes, sizes, designs, constructions, or appearances. Front face 100and first opening 101 are presented in this embodiment of casing 250 ofFIG. 2A-2C in a similar fashion to other embodiments already described.

Covering 203, illustrated in FIG. 2A, is attached around perimeter 111of front face 100. In this embodiment, covering 203 is shaped to looklike an animal face. Covering 203 is sewn and stuffed with cotton,batting, or other materials to give it different shapes, but alsoprovide a secure and tight fit for camera 130, and optionally anyadditional accessories 131, such as a heating element (as illustrated inFIG. 2C). In this embodiment, covering 203 is designed and stuffed in away to resemble an animal, having two animal ears 208 incorporated atthe top in two places. Other features may also be included to change orenhance the appearance in a wide variety of different ways. In analternative embodiment of casing 250, covering 203 does not includestuffing but instead is configured with a fit that is tight aroundcamera 130 and the tight fit aids in holding camera 130 within casing250.

FIG. 2B provides a rear perspective view of casing 250. This embodimentof casing 250 shows that there is a first retaining member 209incorporated in covering 203 that fits camera 130 inside (illustrated inFIG. 2C). First retaining member 209 aids in holding camera 130 in placeon the front face 100 and allows lens 140 to align with first opening101. In the illustrated embodiment, first retaining member 209 ispresented as a pouch for retaining camera 130 inside an interior 220 ofcovering 203. A service opening 204 arranged at a bottom 206 of covering203 is opened for the loading or unloading of camera 130 into firstretaining member 209. Service opening 204 may also be utilized formounting camera 130, which has been arranged in casing 250, to anexternal mount or selfie stick attached to the base of camera 130.

It should be understood that first retaining member 209 may be providedin many different shapes, sizes, forms, designs, or constructions solong as it is capable of retaining camera 130 in interior 220 of casing250 and allowing lens 140 of camera 130 to align with, or fit through,first opening 101.

In a further embodiment, covering 203 may also include a closure 205 forcompletely, or partially, closing service opening 204, or theillustrated open bottom, of casing 250. Closure 205 may include elasticgather, drawstring, zipper, zippered flap, flaps, straps or any one of awide variety of other methods or features for improving the retention ofcamera 130 within casing 250

In a further embodiment of FIG. 2B, casing 250 also optionally includesa second retaining member 210 incorporated in any location on or incovering 203. Second retaining member 210 is able to hold one or moreadditional accessories 131, such as a heating element, and is presentedas a separate pocket from first retaining member 209. Second retainingmember 210 may include one or more openings 219 arranged on the exteriorof casing 250 or the interior of casing 250. Opening 219 is securedusing a fastener 207, shown in FIG. 2B as a zipper in an open, unzippedstate. When open, fastener 207 offers access to second retaining member210. When fastener 207 is closed, it retains additional accessories 131within second retaining member 210. A plurality of opening 219 may beprovided that allow an extended battery, battery pack, or cord forcharging from an external battery to be attached to camera 130 that isstored within casing 250. Although opening 219 is shown to be arrangedon the exterior of casing 250, opening 219 may also be arranged withincovering 203 and accessed through service opening 204.

Although fastener 207 is shown as a zipper in FIG. 2B, fastener 207 mayalso be comprised of elastic gathers, buttons, snaps, drawstrings,flaps, Velcro™ flaps, latches, or any one of a wide variety of othermethods for opening and closing the various pockets, pouches, and otheropenings on casing 250. It should be understood that second retainingmember 210 may be provided in many different shapes, sizes, forms,designs, or construction so long as it is capable of retaining one ormore additional accessories 131, such as a heating element, within, oron, casing 250. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A-2B, camera 130and additional accessories 131 are in separate retaining areas.

In an alternative embodiment, first retaining member 209 is arranged incovering 203 such that first retaining member 209 holds camera 130 alongwith additional accessories 131, such as heating element. Thus, camera130 and additional accessories 131 are retained in the same area.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of casing 250 with camera 130 insertedinto interior 220 of covering 203 in first retaining member 209,embodied as a pouch or a compartment, such that it is fitted with frontface 100. Stuffing of covering 203 aids in holding camera 130 to frontface 100 and maintaining a tight fit against front face 100. Lens 140 isarranged through first opening 101 of front face 100. Further,additional accessories 131 is shown to be arranged in second retainingmember 210, illustrated as a pouch or compartment in covering 203. Inthe illustrated embodiment camera 130 and additional accessories 131 areseparated by different retaining members. However, in an alternativeembodiment, camera 130 and additional accessories 131 may share firstretaining member 209.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, a casing 350 isconfigured to have a plurality of front faces. FIG. 3A shows aperspective view of casing 350 having a first front face 100 a and asecond front face 100 b. Each front face 100 a, 100 b may include all ofthe features of front face 100, shown and described in earlierembodiments, including at least a first opening 101 a on first frontface 100 a and a first opening 101 b on second front face 100 b. Thisarrangement of at least two front faces 100 a, 100 b is advantageous foruse with a camera 330 (illustrated in FIG. 3C). Camera 330 may beembodied with a plurality of lenses 340 a, 340 b.

Each front face 100 a, 100 b is arranged on opposite sides of a covering303. Covering 303 may include all of the features shown and described inearlier embodiments. In FIG. 3A-3C covering 303 is shown to be attachedaround a perimeter 111 a, 111 b of each front face 100 a, 100 b. Camera330 is arranged between each front face 100 a, 100 b by using a firstretaining member 309. In the illustrated embodiment, first retainingmember 309 is a tension applying element arranged on a first side 307and/or a second side 308 between each front face 100 a, 100 b in aninterior 320 of covering 303 and/or incorporated within the covering303. First retaining member 309 pulls first front face 100 a and secondfront face 100 b towards each other. Thus, when camera 330 is placedbetween each front face 100 a, 100 b camera 330 is held in place, notonly by the fitting of each front face 100 a, 100 b with a feature ofcamera 330, such as lenses 340 a, 340 b through at least first openings101 a, 101 b, but also the tension placed on camera 330 from firstretaining member 309 pulling each front face 100 a, 100 b together.

Optionally, one or more second retaining member 310 may be included incasing 350. Second retaining member 310 may be configured as any of theabove-mentioned embodiments arranged on or in covering 303. In theillustrated embodiment, one or more second retaining member 310 isarranged below each front face 100 a, 100 b and configured as a pouchfor holding additional accessories 131 (illustrated in FIG. 3C) such asheat packs, batteries or other accessories mentioned with otherembodiments. Second retaining member 310 may be accessed through anoptional one or more access feature 319, illustrated as a flap in FIG.3A. Access feature 319 offers access to interior 320 of casing 350.Additionally or alternatively, at least one access feature 319 offersaccess to second retaining member 310. Additionally or alternatively,access feature 319 may be embodied similar to access opening 119 andaccess mechanism 107.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of casing 350. Interior 320 of casing350 is prepared for inserting camera 330 by separating front faces 100a, 100 b such that first retaining member 309 and covering 303 arestretched, as illustrated by the arrows. In a relaxed state, or covering303 being in an unstretched state, the space between each front face 100a, 100 b is less than the width of camera 330. When preparing casing 350for camera 330, covering 303 is stretched such that the space betweeneach front face 100 a, 100 b is greater than the width of camera 330 toallow for insertion of camera 330.

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of casing 350 with camera 330 insertedinto casing 350. Camera 330 is configured to be inserted at a base 306through a service opening 304 and held in place by a combination of eachlens 340 a, 340 b being aligned with each of the first opening 101 a,101 b. Tension from front faces 100 a, 100 b applied on either side ofcamera 330 at least partially holds camera 330 in place. The spacebetween each front face 100 a, 100 b with loaded camera 330 issubstantially similar to the width of camera 330.

In a further embodiment, a closure 305 may be provided to further securecamera 330 within casing 350. Closure 305 may be similar to closure 105described with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D and 1F. Closure305 may be further for securing camera 330 within casing 350 by at leastpartially closing service opening 304 preventing camera 330 from beinginadvertently removed from casing 350.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view schematic of one embodiment of the fitbetween camera 130 and front face 100 having a snap fit. Front face 100includes a snapping feature 410 arranged on opposite sides of front face100 that snaps or holds camera 130 into place against front face 100,securing camera 130 in position. Snapping feature 410 may be arranged onthe sides of front face 100, as illustrated, and/or at the top andbottom of front face 100 such that snapping feature 410 may be arrangedon two sides of front face 100 or around the perimeter of front face100, i.e. four sides. Snapping feature 410 may be configured to extendup to the rear portion of camera 130.

In the illustrated embodiments, camera 130, 330 is held in place withincasing 150, 250, 350 by at least one of: the direct fit between frontface 100, 100 a, 100 b and camera 130, 330; the fit of casing 150, 250,350 with camera 130, 330; first retaining member 109, 209, 309 fittingcamera 130, 330 against front face 100; and closure 105, 205, 305 atleast partially enclosing camera 130, 330 within casing 150, 250, 350.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment for operating 500 casing 150, 250, 350.First 510, a user accesses interior 120, 220, 320 of casing 150, 250,350 by opening service opening 104, 204, 304. The size of serviceopening 104, 204, 304 is increased allowing the user to open covering103, 203, 303 and/or covering 103 is flipped partially or entirelyinside out. The ability to open covering 103, 203, 303, or flip covering103 inside out allows the user easier access to load camera 130, 330inside casing 150, 250, 350. Furthermore, the user has easier access tocamera features 132, such as controls, displays, and features, which maybe located on the top, sides, bottom and back of camera 130, 330.

Second 520, insert camera 130, 330 into casing 150, 250, 350 throughservice opening 104, 204, 304.

Third 530, align a feature of camera 130, 330, such as lens 140, 340 a,340 b, with, or fit through, first opening 101, 101 a, 101 b. In anembodiment, first opening 101, 101 a, 101 b is configured to fit, evensnap, in place with lens 140, 340 a, 340 b. A fit may exist between lens140, 340 a, 340 b and first opening 101, 101 a, 101 b to hold camera130, 330 in place, reducing the likelihood of camera 130, 330 jarringloose from casing 150, 250, 350, front face 100, 100 a, 100 b and/orfirst opening 101, 101 a, 101 b when camera 130, 330 is jostled orjerked. The fit between lens 140, 340 a, 340 b and first opening 101,101 a, 101 b may also align front face 100, 100 a, 100 b with camera130, 330. The locating of front face 100, 100 a, 100 b in relation tocamera 130, 330 also helps to align second opening 102 with one or morecontrols, displays and features on the front of camera 130, 330. Thisallows the user to view or interact with any of the controls, displays,and features that second opening 102 is aligned with.

Fourth 540, secure camera 130, 330 to front face 100, 100 a, 100 b usingat least first retaining member 109, 209, 309. First retaining member109, 209, 309 may hold camera 130, 330 to front face 100, 100 a, 100 balone or work in conjunction with the fit from front face 100, 100 a,100 b.

Fifth 550, load any desired additional accessories 131 into casing 150,250, 350, such as a heating element. As discussed in variousembodiments, a user who wishes to load additional accessories 131 intocasing 150, 250, 350 may secure additional accessories 131 in casing150, 250, 350 using at least one second retaining member 110, 210, 310or by loading additional accessories in covering 103, 203, 303.

Sixth 560, close covering 103, 203, 303 and/or flip covering 103 backover camera 130 and optionally fasten service opening 104, 204, 304using closure 105, 205, 305. With service opening 104, 204, 304fastened, it can be understood that camera 130, 330 stored within wouldbe partially or completely covered by covering 103, 203, 303 and frontface 100, 100 a, 100 b, offering protection and insulation for camera130, 330.

Optionally mounting camera 130, 330 to a mount or a selfie stick throughservice opening 104, 204, 304. Closure 105, 205, 305 may be securedaround the mount.

It can be understood that heat is generated inside casing 150, 250, 350from the work being performed by the camera's internal electronics andbatteries, and/or from one or more heating elements loaded inside. Itcan also be understood that casing 150, 250, 350 insulates camera 130,330 from cold outside temperatures while also reducing the rate at whichheat is dissipated from the inside of casing 150, 250, 350 into theexternal environment.

The ability to retain heat within casing 150, 250, 350, as well asinsulate camera 130, 330 from cold outside temperatures, is beneficialsince sustained exposure to cold temperatures reduces batteryfunctionality and life. Thus, casing 150, 250, 350 improves camera 130,330 performance and battery life of camera 130, 330 stored within.

Additionally, while camera 130, 330 is sheltered inside casing 150, 250,350 it is still able to record video and take photos of events happeningin the external environment since lens 140, 340 a, 340 b of camera 130,330 aligns with, or fits through, first opening 101, 101 a, 101 b.Furthermore, a user may also interact with camera features 132, such asother buttons and controls, located on the back, top, bottom, and sidesof camera 130, 330 by pushing through the flexible material of covering103, 203, 303. Commonly, the record button or power button is located onthe top or sides of camera 130, 330 and the user may interact with thesebuttons, or camera feature 132, by pushing them from the outside ofcasing 150, 250, 350.

Battery life of camera 130, 330 enclosed in casing 150, 250, 350 hasbeen shown to be improved with or without additional heating sources.Camera 130, 330 generates its own heat with features such as a highshutter speed and resolution settings. Heat generated from camera 130,330 may be held within casing 150, 250, 350 creating a more temperaturesuitable environment for battery life performance. In some situations,the battery life has been shown to double.

FIG. 6 shows a performance chart 600 comparison of a camera with theabove-described casing versus a camera without the casing. A test wasperformed with a camera where the battery was no less than 98% charged.The camera was turned on, set to the correct settings, and the recordbutton on the camera was pushed. As soon as the camera began recording,the camera was placed into a freezer, kept at or below 0° Fahrenheit, tosimulate cold temperatures. Further, a fan within the freezer was usedto simulate windchill, moving hot ambient air away from the camera,cooling the camera further. The camera was left in the freezer,recording continuously until the battery died and the camera shut off.Afterwards, the recording was evaluated for the total time that thecamera was able to film. The testing was performed without an externalheating source for the camera and the heat generated was from the cameraitself.

In a first experiment 610, the camera was set to 960 resolution, 120frames per second (fps) and a wide view. As shown, the average recordingtime without a casing was 35 min but with the casing was 83 min. Thecamera with the casing showed a 235% improvement in the function of thecamera over the camera without the casing.

In a second experiment 620, the camera was set to 1440 resolution, 60fps and a wide view. As shown, the average recording time without acasing was 38 min but with the casing was 85 min. The camera with thecasing showed a 221% improvement over the camera without the casing.

In a third experiment 630, the camera was set to 2700 resolution, 30 fpsand a wide view. As shown, the average recording time without a casingwas 49 min but with the casing was 86 min. The camera with the casingshowed a 175% improvement over the camera without the casing.

In a fourth experiment 640, the camera was set to 4000 resolution, 30fps and a wide view. As shown, the average recording time without acasing was 34 min but with the casing was 70 min. The camera with thecasing showed a 205% improvement over the camera without the casing.

It is thus shown that a camera arranged within casing 150, 250, 350improves the performance of the camera and the battery in coldtemperatures.

In a separate test, a camera battery was charged no less than 98%charged. The camera was placed in the freezer for an amount of time andthe temperature maintained at or below 1° Fahrenheit. This amount oftime was predetermined and is referred to as the “cold start time”period. A fan was also placed in the freezer and was set to either an“on” or an “off” mode when during the cold start time. After the coldstart time had passed, the camera was turned on, set to the correctsetting and the record button was pushed. As soon as the camera beganrecording, it was again placed in the freezer. The camera was left inthe freezer, recording continuously, until the battery died and thecamera shut off. Afterwards, the recording was evaluated to obtain thetotal time the camera was filmed for, or the “runtime”.

The camera was tested with the casing as described in the embodimentsand without the casing. For tests with the casing, two hand warmer sizedchemically activated heat packs arranged within the casing, as describedin certain embodiments. The packs were fully activated before beginningthe testing period. For tests without the casing, no heating elementswere used. If the camera failed to start at all after the cold starttime, it was considered to have failed the test. If the camera startedand ran for any amount of time it was considered to have passed.

The camera settings were set to 4000 resolution, 30 fps and a wide view.In the tests without a casing, the camera failed in cold start timesgreater than 30 min when the fan in the freezer was in the “off” mode.When the fan was in the “on” mode, the camera was unable to turn onafter being in the freezer for 30 min. However, with the casing and heatpacks, not only was the camera able to turn on after 60 min in thefreezer, with the fan both in the “on” and “off” mode, but it ran for atleast 72 min. Thus, combination of the camera being arranged within thecasing along with heating elements was shown to have better performancethan a camera without heating elements or a casing.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thusindicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended tobe embraced.

1. A camera casing comprising: at least one front face comprising afirst opening, the front face being configured to securely fit with acamera; a flexible covering attached to a perimeter of the front face,the flexible covering having a service opening to provide access to aninterior of the camera casing; and at least a first retaining memberincorporated into the flexible covering, the first retaining memberconfigured to secure the camera to the front face.
 2. The camera casingof claim 1, wherein the first retaining member is secured at a firstlocation and a second location spaced there apart and on the front face,the first retaining member configured to hold the camera in a positionrelative to the front face.
 3. The camera casing of claim 1, furthercomprising a second retaining member incorporated in the flexiblecovering, wherein the second retaining member is configured to hold atleast one additional accessory.
 4. The camera casing of claim 3, whereinone of the at least one additional accessory is a heating element or acooling element.
 5. The camera casing of claim 3, wherein the secondretaining member is configured as a pocket or pouch incorporated withinor affixed to the flexible covering.
 6. The camera casing of claim 3,wherein the second retaining member further comprises a closureconfigured to partially or completely close the second retaining memberenclosing the at least one additional accessory within.
 7. The cameracasing of claim 1, wherein the flexible covering comprises one or morelayers of flexible material.
 8. The camera casing of claim 7, whereinthe first retaining member is incorporated within the flexible coveringbetween the one or more layers of flexible material.
 9. The cameracasing of claim 1, wherein a material of the front face is differentfrom a material of the flexible covering.
 10. The camera casing of claim9 wherein the material of the front face is comprised of a rigid or asemi-rigid material.
 11. A camera casing comprising: at least one frontface comprising a first opening, the front face being configured tosecurely fit with a camera; a flexible covering attached to a perimeterof the front face, the flexible covering having a service opening toprovide access to an interior of the camera casing; and wherein thefront face comprises a rigid or a semi-rigid material; and wherein thefront face comprises one or more 3D features to correspond to one ormore features of the camera for positioning the camera within the cameracasing.
 12. The camera casing of claim 11 wherein the front face is amolded front face with the one or more 3D features corresponding to theone or more features of the camera for positioning the camera within thecamera casing.
 13. The camera casing of claim 11, wherein the front facefurther comprises one or more secondary openings, wherein the one ormore secondary openings are configured to align with one or moreadditional features of the camera.
 14. The camera casing of claim 11,wherein one or both of the front face and the flexible covering areconstructed from materials having improved thermal properties allowingfor reduced heat transfer to or from the interior of the camera casing.15. A camera casing comprising: at least one front face comprising afirst opening, the front face being configured to securely fit with acamera; a flexible covering attached to a perimeter of the front face,the flexible covering having a service opening to provide access to aninterior of the camera casing; at least a first retaining memberarranged in the interior of the camera casing, the first retainingmember configured to secure the camera to the front face; and wherein amaterial of the front face is different from a material of the flexiblecovering; and wherein one or both of the front face and the flexiblecovering are comprised of a material having thermal properties allowingfor retaining heat within the camera casing or insulating the interiorof the camera casing from an external environment.
 16. The camera casingof claim 15, further comprising a second retaining member incorporatedin the flexible covering, wherein the second retaining member isconfigured to hold at least one additional accessory.
 17. The cameracasing of claim 16, wherein the second retaining member is configured asa pocket or pouch incorporated within or affixed to the flexiblecovering.